Fake deputy threatens to fine man if yard isn't cleaned up

Aug. 1, 2013

Written by

Post-Crescent Media

TOWN OF GREENVILLE — An Outagamie County Sheriff’s sergeant says a man posed as a deputy and threatened to fine a town of Greenville man if his yard wasn’t cleaned up in two weeks.

At about 2 p.m. on July 14, the man told the Ellen Lane resident that he worked for the sheriff’s department and wrote down the resident’s driver’s license and phone numbers, Sgt. Shawn Oligney said. He also asked about lawn mowers and other equipment on the property.

The resident said the man drove a dark blue Chevy Impala that looked like an unmarked police car. He wore a utility belt with his black or dark gray uniform. A patch on his shoulder spelled out Outagamie County in red letters.

The resident reported the incident about two weeks later after realizing it might have been a ruse, Oligney said.

Oligney said to always ask for an officer’s identification or call local law enforcement for verification if you suspect an officer is fake. He asks anyone with information about this incident or a similar one to call him at 920-832-5278.